Three - A chance for redemption

"...Might as well drop the act and let me fuck you right here."

He pumps one digit inside my soaked pussy and my whole body wrecks with forbidden relief.

Fuck.

This wasn't the plan...

My erotic trance is shattered as the familiar, sharp ringtone of my bedside alarm pierces my ears.

My eyes snap open instantly, and my heart thumps in relief when my surroundings materialize before me.

I gasp, short of breath, as I glance around the space I share with my roommate.

Everything looks familiar. Everything looks normal.

He's... not here.

I take a moment to process it all. Everything I just dreamed. Everything I just experienced in that nightmare.

It wasn't real, but somehow, I still feel a slick, damp sensation between my thighs.

What the hell is this?

Was that all... a dream?

"Hell no!"

I bolt upright, my heart thundering in confusion.

How could I possibly have dreamt of that bastard almost taking advantage of me? And to think I gave in at the end... This is beyond disturbing.

In fact, this is sick.

What the fuck?!

"Good morning, Whitney."

The smell of coffee and toast wafts into my nostrils before Ava comes into view. She's holding a tray with breakfast, a placating smile etched across her face.

All of a sudden, I remember I'm still mad at her.

I push aside my unsettling thoughts and focus on my best friend — the one who chose to betray and abandon me last night. I swear, I don't think I can ever forgive her for that.

Ava carefully places the tray on my bedside table. She turns to face me, but I'm already out of bed.

I'm not talking to her. Or listening to whatever crappy explanation she has to justify her betrayal.

Sure, she did warn me on our way to Carl's house that she'd bolt if things went south. But I didn't think she'd actually throw me under the bus when my plans went awry.

What kind of friend does that? And to think she's my best friend!

I'm not even mad because Ava left me at the mercy of a predator who almost used me to satisfy his sick cravings last night. I'm mad because she hung me out to dry.

That betrayal stings.

"Come on, I said I'm sorry," Ava follows me into the bathroom. She pauses when I stop in front of the sink.

Ignoring her, I reach for my toothbrush and toothpaste.

But she keeps trying. "I'm sorry about last night, Whitney. I know I shouldn't have left you like that. I know. But I was scared."

I don't respond. I can't — my mouth is occupied, and besides, I believe the broody expression on my face says enough.

But of course, she doesn't pick up on that.

After I finish brushing my teeth, I return to our room, and Ava still trails behind me.

She's my roommate. One of the reasons I can't exactly tell her to get out when the last thing I want right now is her in my space.

"Would you stop following me around like a damn dog?" I snap impatiently, turning to meet her sad gaze.

Her brows knit with hurt as she takes a step back. But I don't care.

"Would you at least hear me out?" she pleads.

"What exactly do you have to say, Ava?" I ask sharply. "Nothing changes the fact that you left me. You abandoned me on a mission we both went on together."

"I know, but I told you—"

"You told me what?!" I yell, irritation spilling over. "Do you have any idea what Carl almost made me do last night? He asked me to suck his fucking cock, Ava—before he'd let me go. That's literally the grossest request I've ever heard. And to think I almost did it."

Ava winces in equal disgust.

I close the gap between us and poke her chest. "You left me with that pervert. You have no idea how traumatized I was last night. And I'll never forgive you for that. I don't want to talk to you anymore."

With that, I brush past her, snatching my toiletries before heading into the bathroom. I slam the door shut so she won't follow me in this time.

But I doubt she'd even try again. The message I just delivered was crystal clear. Even though I don't mean the last part, I know she won't bother me anymore.

At least, for now.

~~~

Class was hectic. I could barely concentrate on Mrs. Jill's lecture because my mind kept replaying last night's incident.

No matter how hard I tried to shove those thoughts aside, they kept resurfacing.

Even now, as I'm heading to the library, I feel anxious.

I've been glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting that monster to appear.

I know I shouldn't worry about running into him on this side of campus — the chances are slim. But I can't help it.

Something about the way he glared at me right before I bolted last night has me on high alert.

Because what if he suddenly shows up?

What if he recognized me?

What if he goes after Jayden again — or Ava this time — to teach me a lesson?

So many what-ifs...

These conflicting thoughts swirl in my head, but I force them aside when Penelope, my coursemate, calls out to me.

We're both heading to the library, and I need her notes from today's class.

It's lunch break, so the library area is pretty empty. I don't mind. I actually prefer it this way.

"What's up?" I ask, giving her my attention.

She turns to me, her blue eyes shimmering. "Um, I'm really hungry, and since you want to skip lunch, I think I'll meet you at the library in a few. Is that okay?"

"Sure," I nod. "Just give me the notes before you go."

She nods and reaches into her bag, pulling out two hardcovers. She hands them to me, and I give a small nod in approval.

"Thank you," I say, clutching the books to my chest.

"See you soon."

I watch her scurry off to join her friends waiting on the other side.

Once they disappear, I sigh and turn toward the library, ignoring the students gossiping along the hallway.

I don't usually walk alone on campus. I have my own small triangle — or at least I used to.

If that bastard hadn't taken Jayden out, I'd be enjoying my friends' company right now like always.

I wouldn't be this angry at Ava. And I definitely wouldn't feel this tiny ache of loneliness in my chest.

I miss my friends. I miss Jayden. 

He was the funnier and friendlier one in our trio. He attracted plenty of girls since he's a handsome fuck, but I never minded.

Because no matter how many people he got acquainted with in a day, Jayden knew we were his day ones. Ava and me.

Personally, I'm boring and introverted, but Jayden understands me like no one else ever could.

He was kind, patient, and loving — the kind of friend anyone would be lucky to have.

He treated me like his little sister, even though he's only a year older than I am. He's the big brother I never knew I needed.

He was warmth and vibrance, and I cherished him more than anything in this world.

It's no surprise I wanted revenge for what happened to him.

I still can't understand why Carl would do something like that to him. Jayden wasn't a threat to anyone. He's the type who could never hurt a fly or be caught in the circle of violent students.

So it makes me wonder — how the hell did he cross paths with that psychopath?

What did he do to deserve such a brutal beating from Carl and his friends?

It's still a mystery what exactly happened between them. A mystery I'm determined to uncover. But I know better than to blame Jayden.

Whatever happened, that motherfucker Carl must be solely responsible.

And I swear to fuck, he's going to pay.

I arrive near the library — the secluded path students rarely use, but my preferred route.

I pause and retrieve my phone from my pocket, texting the nurse in charge of watching over Jayden.

There's already a message from her, sent a few minutes ago.

She says Jayden is still unconscious, but there's progress in his test results from this morning.

I can't help the smile that graces my features as I type back quickly: "Thank God."

Fuck, I feel a sliver of relief. Of hope. For the first time in days.

I've been worried sick about Jay's condition, despite the doctor's reassurance. Jayden was badly injured, so I initially thought he wouldn't make it.

I'm really rooting for him to recover soon — if not for anything else, so he can press charges against the asshole who did this to him.

After leaving the nurse's DM, I turn off my phone and tuck it into my bag, ready to head inside.

But just as I'm about to take a step, I stiffen when I feel an unfamiliar warmth — one that's somehow become familiar — surrounding me.

My heart pounds, my senses on high alert.

I feel it. That hole from last night drilling into the back of my head. That cedar scent.

That menacing presence. That vicious aura.

It's here.

More dominant. More dangerous. More... him.

My heart slams against my ribs.

Trusting my instincts, I try to run — but I'm not fast enough.

A strong grip yanks me back by my ponytail, and I'm flung against the nearest wall. My scream is muffled by a large hand clamping over my mouth.

That's when I realize the monster has cornered me again.

My eyes widen in shock as they meet those dim, green, psychotic ones.

A smug smirk — one that makes him even more dangerously handsome — curves his lips as he drinks in my reaction.

He relishes my fear. Seeing me like this must amuse him.

Tsking, his gaze roams over my body for some reason before returning to mine. His hand still covers my mouth, preventing me from screaming.

I doubt anyone would come to my rescue even if I did.

Everyone knows better than to get entangled with this beast.

But there's something I don't understand.

How is he here?

Why?

"You must have a knack for running away all the time, Whitney Sullivan," he whispers darkly.

My heart stops.

How the hell does he know my name?

I try to steady my breathing, but my pulse is racing. Something about the way he just said my name tells me I have every reason to worry.

Last night, I didn't think he'd figure me out so quickly. I guess I was wrong.

Carl doesn't give me a chance to speak.

"You and I have unfinished business, amor. I think you already know that, don't you?"

My expression falters, my heart lodged in my throat. I can't speak. I'm completely silenced.

"Well, I'm giving you a second chance to redeem yourself — even though I don't normally grant people second chances," he says with maddening audacity. "Same place. I expect you to be there before nine tonight. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences, Whitney. And trust me, you don't want to test my patience again."

He pauses, staring at me for a long second before tsking again. "See you tonight."

And just like that, he's gone.

The way he came.

It takes a moment for the haze to lift — mainly because Penelope reappears.

I can't believe it. I blink, trying to shake off the disbelief, but I still feel his presence lingering around me.

It feels surreal that I just encountered Carl in broad daylight.

And he came for one reason only — to threaten me.

"A second chance to redeem myself," he had said.

My face twists with irritation as I recall his audacious demand.

Like fuck I want to be redeemed!